Event Name

Date

Get familiar with your boat's VHF marine radio in just two hours. Experienced instructors teach you how to use VHF radio like a pro, including the new Digital Selective Calling (DSC) rescue feature. You'll also get tips on purchasing and installing VHF to get the most out of your investment.
A handy waterproof McGraw-Hill Captain's QuickGuide Using VHF is included with essential information that you should have aboard. This QuickGuide explains to anyone on your crew how to use the radio, a real benefit if you’re unable to help in an emergency.
What's Included?
• How VHF radios work and their controls
• Using the correct channels
• Using correct procedures and terminology
• Advanced methods of communication
• How Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipped radios work and their controls
• Practice DSC calls using the included DSC simulator on CD
Instructor: Al Pepe, N
Time and Date: 9:00, September 2, 2017
Location: Hilton Head Island Senior Center, 70 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Cost: $45 for members; $55 for non-members
To register contact: Peter Dion: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (631.456.9134)

When the weather deteriorates without warning, rest easy knowing you can handle your boat under adverse conditions. You'll learn techniques to handle your boat based on hull type, boat trim and wave types. Discover how to recover from grounding and how to dock in challenging conditions. You’ll understand what the “old timers” and professionals have learned the hard way. This seminar gets you there faster, and with confidence. Then, on the water you can visualize your actions and execute them easily. The full-color book Powerboat Handling Illustrated is included as a reference.
What's Included?
• How boats move in close quarters
• Departing the dock
• Docking under challenging conditions
• How your boat behaves in waves
• Wave patterns and conditions
• Trimming the boat
• Handling waves
• Dealing with severe waves
• Handling running aground
• Rounding a bend
Instructor: TBD
Time and Date: 9:00, September 16, 2017
Location: Hilton Head Boathouse Showroom, 1498 Fording Island Rd., Bluffton, SC 29910
Cost: $45 for members; $55 for non-members
To register contact: Peter Dion: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (631.456.9134)

GPS can get you where you need to go, but did you know you can use it to steer your boat accurately? Enhance your boating experience by getting the most out of today's feature-packed GPS devices. Certified instructor, Mark Larson, P of our Hilton Head Sail & Power Squadron will team up with Garmin Regional Training Representative, Dowe Thornton to conduct this USPS Seminar. Learn how to store and use waypoints, build and execute routes, and monitor steering. You can also get tips on connecting your GPS to your VHF marine radio, which opens up a new world of digital hailing and distress signaling. The seminar materials include a copy of the waterproof McGraw-Hill Captain’s QuickGuide Using GPS to take aboard to remind you of the steps.
In addition, Dowe will demonstrate the Garmin GPSMAP 7616 chart plotter with the 16-inch multi-touch widescreen display that has a 10 Hz internal GPS that updates position and heading 10 times per second. This unit is designed for cruisers and sailors who demand high performance, ease of operation, and feature integration.
What's Included?
• What GPS does
• Waypoint navigation
• How to operate your GPS
• What the buttons do
• What the screens show
• How to use the key functions
• How to navigate safe course
• Tips on choosing a GPS that’s best for you
Lead Instructor: Mark Larson, P (Certified HHSPS Instructor)
Time and Date: 9:00 – 11:00, October 7, 2017
Location: Hilton Head Island Senior Center, 70 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Cost: $45 members; $55 non-members
To Register Contact: Peter Dion: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (631.456.9134)

All thumbs when it comes to securing your boat and gear? In this hands-on program, you'll learn to tie the most useful knots using the included step-by-step USPS Guide Knots, Bends and Hitches for Mariners, a die-cut knot board, and two lengths of line. Take the materials home to practice the many other knots described in the guide.
What’s Included?
• Practical skills
• Rope selection
• Marlinespike seamanship
• Rope versus line
• Size
• Parts of a line
• Classes of knots
• Line construction
• Strength
• Applications
• Common knots for mariners
• Care and handling:
Lead Instructor: TBD
Time and Date: 9:00, November 4, 2017
Location: Hilton Head Island Senior Center, 70 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Cost: $45 for members; $55 for non-members
To register contact: Peter Dion: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (631.456.9134)

Whether you're planning a cruise, going fishing, or traveling to a local marina, knowing how to read and use nautical charts is essential to safe boating. Charts include must-have information, including bottom contours, hazards, and aids to navigation, to help you travel safely. Each student receives a waterproof flip-fold Chart Symbols and On-the-Water Guide to take along on the boat with you, as well as a Student Guide for the seminar.
What's Included?
• What charts show navigators above the water
• Chart features
• Chart scales
• What charts show navigators below the water
• Aids to navigation
• Latitude and longitude
• Planning your course
• What’s in your way.
Lead Instructor: TBD
Time and Date: 9:00, December 2, 2017
Location: Hilton Head Island Senior Center, 70 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Cost: $45 for members; $55 for non-members
To register contact: Peter Dion: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (631.456.9134)